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Earthquake in New Zealand

An earthquake of magnitude 7.8 on the Richter scale struck the eastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand on November 14. The earthquake triggered a small tsunami. Some of the infrastructure, such as roads, railroads, power lines, and water systems, were damaged. People were stuck in the area. However, humans were not the only ones stranded. Here is a video of cows stuck on a patch of land.

New Zealand is an island country with two main islands – the South Island and the North Island. It is one of the most recently settled areas by man. People from Polynesia came and settled on these islands just about a thousand years ago. Before that, the main citizens of the land were birds and other animals. In fact, many of the birds of New Zealand can’t fly. Scientists believe that these flightless birds evolved from birds that could fly. There was no need to fly since the birds hardly had any enemies on these islands, and over time, the birds lost their ability to fly. Kiwi is a native bird of New Zealand. It cannot fly and is a national symbol.

Did you know?

New Zealand has three official languages: English, Maori, and Sign Language.

Image Credits: http://www.doc.govt.nz for the image of the Kiwi, Виктор В for the map image of the earthquakeSources: time.com, npr.org, CIA World Factbook, https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz, http://www.teara.govt.nz